Ex-councillor warns Blackpool Council should have learnt vital lessons over 'relentless stress' of CPOs
A former Blackpool councillor has launched a stinging criticism of plans to demolish more than 300 homes in the town’s Revoe area.
Tony Williams, the former leader of Blackpool Council’s Conservative group for eight years, says the council has not done enough to support residents who face the loss of their homes as part of controversial regeneration plans.
The council is looking to knock down around 320 residences on several streets off Central Drive, within a designated ‘red line’ area – and replace them with modern housing.
Mr Williams says the council should have learnt vital lessons after an inquest found that the “relentless stress” of a Blackpool Council Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to demolish his home for the Multiversity project contributed to the suicide of 34-year-old Alistair Taylor in 2025.
The father-of-four died following a two-year dispute over his Milbourne Street home’s valuation, described as a “hostile” process.
Not enough support
Mr Williams said: “I was concerned about the mixed messages the council were giving to residents in this area many of which are extremely worried as to where they will find alternative places to live.
“I don’t think the council has done enough to support these residents, many of whom are seniors and have mobility issues.
“Have they used due diligence in respect of how this is going to impact people’s lives?
“I am not against the development of new homes in the Revoe area per say, but I am concerned that the council may have failed to carry out necessary checks and reports on some very relevant and in some cases statutory disciplines.
“They are not listening to what the residents want. Have they carried out condition reports on the houses they are planning to demolish.
“Do they even have a Plan B or C instead of simply telling people what they are going to do?
“People are worried about if they will be able to afford another place when their homes are knocked down, where they will be able to go.
“It is clearly stressful for the people living there and it seems the council have not learnt from the tragedy of the man who took his own life.”
A £90m grant previously awarded by former Conservative minister Michael Gove as part of the then government’s Homes England agenda, will be used to cover the costs of demolition costs and leveling off the site ready for re-building.
An outline planning application for demolition and more than 200 new homes is expected to be submitted to Blackpool planners before the summer.
Mr Williams said he had also filed an FOI request into what preparations th council had carried out prior to announcing the plans.
What Leader says
But Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The Revoe regeneration programme is about more than just repairing Central Drive, but renewal of it back to its heyday.
“It is a once in a generation chance to create more green spaces to play in, affordable homes run by housing associations rather than private landlords, and bring a community feel back to the area to make it one of the more desirable neighbourhoods in Blackpool.
“To deliver this, we need the correct, consistent message reaching residents; particularly regarding the numbers and locations of homes concerned, and regarding the support in place for those affected.
“It’s absolutely not lost on us that we are talking about people’s homes and we’re very conscious that for tenants and local residents this kind of change will be of great concern. There is support in place for anybody who needs it to find a new home.
“Mr Williams can be assured that we are undertaking our biggest engagement project to date for this programme
“We have had council teams on the ground in Revoe for the best part of a year now. They have knocked on the door of all affected homes at least three times each and we’ve held dozens of drop in sessions. Our teams, including support workers and financial advisors, continue to be based at the community centre, working to advise and support people.
“However, there are other people knocking on doors around Revoe too, telling people outside of the red line area their home will be knocked down. Some of these are vulnerable people who deserve better than someone frightening them with untruths.
“It isn’t the case that 400 homes are being demolished. We’ve identified around 288 occupied residences. Of those households, 30% have already agreed their next steps and a further 23% are actively engaged with us.
“No-one’s going to be made homeless. People who want to stay in Revoe – whether that’s to stay near family or their child’s school, or for any other reason – we’ll help them to and they will be compensated.
“We’re already helping families to move into alternative housing much better suited to their needs.
“We hope that our community leaders, whatever they feel about the scheme and its merits, will work with our team to ensure no one feels unsupported, fearful or at risk.”